The recent issue of Pediatrics reports on a study of 235 infants with plagiocephaly ("flat head" syndrome). The researchers found a relationship between plagiocephaly and developmental delay. Infants with plagiocephaly were twice as likely to exhibit developmental delays compared to the control group. They could not determine if one causes the other though. The investigators stressed that babies should still be put on their backs to sleep.
Reference: Speltz M, et al "Case-control study of neurodevelopment in deformational plagiocephaly" Pediatrics 2010; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-0052.
1 comment:
This study has important implications, too. Thanks, Margaret for finding relevant research. I am miffed by the whole 'back to sleep' movement. Did SIDS REALLY decrease from this program? In this town, several babies have died due to co-sleeping - parents wake up and baby is dead. All determined to be accidental, but the public service message was to 'use common sense' and not put a baby in bed with you if you are extra tired (and roll over on the baby) or have had alcohol before bed.
Common sense. Haarruummph!
Barbara
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